Electric switch



July 14, 11942- E. J. voN HENKE 2,289,813

ELECTRIC swm'oH Filed Deo. 28, 1958 BY 76 .A M

ATTORNEYS l Patented July 14, 1942 ELECTRIC SWITCH Edmund J. von Henke, Chicago, IIL, assignor to American Electric Fusion Corporation, Chicago,

Iii., a corporation of Illinois Application December 28, 1938, Serial No. 248,023 s claims. (ci. 25o-zr) This invention relates to a novel and improved form of switch for use in an alternating current circuit and which will .avoid the necessity of a movable contact. The invention will be better understood from the following description and' the annexed drawing, in which I have shown selected embodiments of the invention and in which: l

Fig. l is a diagram of a circuit in which the switch may be used;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through one form of switch;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of ln Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through a different form of switch;

. Fig. 5 is a view of the structure appearing in Fig. 4 and taken approximately on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

For purposes of illustration, I have shown a circuit in which alternating current is supplied from any suitable source through the main leads I and 2 and this current may be used to energize the primary 3 of a welding transformer, the' secondary of which is indicated at 4. This transformer may be used to apply current to welding electrodes in a manner well known in the art and is selected as an example of a load, which, however, may take any other form, so far as this invention is concerned.

The circuit through the primary 3 includes my novel switch 5 which is connected to one end of the primary 3 by the conductor 6 and which is connected to the lead I by means of a conductor 1 and an auto-transformer 8, of the air core type.

The switch 5 is in the form of a tube having spaced electrodes, here shown as an anode 9 and a cathode I0. These electrodes are disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas at low pressure, as will be more fully explained later. For the present it is enough to say that the spacing of the electrodes and the character and pressure of the structure appearing 'the gas in the enclosure is such that the circuit through the switch will be maintained open for currents of normal or usual characteristics.

For example. the current used to energize the primary 3 may have the usual voltage of 110 or. 220 and a normal or usual frequency, say 60 cycles per second. The circuit of the primary normally will be maintained open by the tube switch 5, but may be closed electrically, so as to carry alternating current in both directions. This closing may be accomplished by passing through the switch in both directions an alternating current of high voltage and high frequency. This may be done by the arrangement indicated in Fig. 1.

Across the conductors I and 6 is disposed the primary II of a transformer and a variable resistance I2. There is also provided a conventional switch I3, which, for the purpose of illustration, may be assumed to be hand operated. The transformer of which the primary II is a part comprises a secondary I4 across which is placed a condenser I5. From one side of the secondary I4 leads a conductor I6 to the conductor I and an air gap I1 is preferably placed in this conductor I6. The other side of the secondary i4 is connected by a conductor I8 which leads to one of the coils of the auto-transformer 8, at I9. Across the conductors I and 6 is also placed a condenser 20, as indicated.

In operation, assume that the circuit through the primary 3 is open at the tube switch 5 and that it ls desired to close that switch to energize the primary. Also assume that the alternating current supplied to the primary 3 is 110 v., 60 cycles, which characteristics are usual in an alternating current. Now, in order to electrically close the tube switch 5, the hand switch I3 is closed, thus permitting passage of current through the primary II.

By the use of the air gap, condenser, and autotransformer, .thehcurrent induced in the secondary Il is stepped up to a voltage and frequency which is high enough to break down the resistance in the tube switch 5 and thus cause this high voltage, high frequency alternating current to pass in bothdirections between the electrodes 9 and I0. By the word "between as` here used I intend to refer to the passage of currentI from one electrode tothe other. For example, the high voltage, high frequency current resulting from the above described arrangement and operation may be on the order of 2500 v., 500,000 cycles. As soon as this current establishes a path by which it may pass in both directions across the space between the electrodes 9 and I0, then the alternating line current, which I have referred to as the usual current, may also pass in both directions across this space, following the path created for it by the high voltage, high frequency current. Since the auto-transformer 8 is of the air core type, it will carry the line current.

Naturallly, the voltage and frequency of the high voltage and high frequency current will vary, being dependent upon the characteristics of the tube switch and of the circuit in general. The one voltage and Ifrequency to which I have referred is taken only as illustrative, since any not to break down and permit passage of what 1 I have referred to as the usual current, that is to say, the line current used to perform the desired work. Given the characteristics ofthat current then the tube switch, and the voltage and frequency of the current used to break down the resistance therein, may be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

'I'he tube switch 5 will continue to transmit the line current so long as the hand switch I3 is maintained closed. Because of the high frequency used in what I may term the closing circuit, that is to say, the circuit used to break down the resistance in the tube switch 5, the primary 3 will act as a choke and prevent the high frequency current passing through it, forcing that current to pass through the condenser 20. In other words, the condenser 20 is what is sometimes referred to as a "blocking condenser.

Preferably, the primary is designed to take only a low voltage, say, 10 v., and the other ele ments of the circuit are so designed that when the voltage in the primary Il reaches that figure, the high voltage and high frequency current will break down the resistance in the tube switch 5. This current will then pass through the circuit, including the condenser 20, thus by-passing the primary I I so that it will not be subjected to a voltage greater than that for which it is designed. It will also be understood that the condenser 20 prevents the full. voltage from being impressed upon lthe primary II. This condenser 20 may be of variable or adjustable capacity, if desired, although for convenience it is indicated as a nonadjustable type having a. capacity suitable for the particular circuit with which it is used.

The circuit described above is merely one form of a means for creating an alternating current of high voltage and high frequency and for passing that current in both directions through the tube switch. It is to be understood, of course, that other arrangements may be used to achieve the same result. For example, the primary I I may bel energized from an independent source of current, if desired. I am aware that electronic rectifying tubes have been used in pairs, each tube in a pair being arranged to permit passage of current in one direction, but not in the other, when the gas in the tube is ionized. However, my invention provides one tube acting as a switch which may carry current in both directions. At the same time, by the use of suitable timing mechanism, the tube may be used to carry current in only one direction, as shown for example in said copending application of Arthur A. Grothe.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, I have shown therein a preferred form of the tube switch comprising a cup 2|, preferably of steel, and having a closed bottom, as shown. From the bottom extends upwardlya circumferential wall 22`provided with screw threads adjacent its upper edge to engage corresponding threads on a top 23 having an upwardly extending neck 24. This neck is threaded on its inner surface, and threaded within it is a bushing 25. Preferably, the top and its neck are steelor other metal and the bushing 25 is of ceramic material or any other suitable insulating material.

Threaded within the bushing 25 is a metallic electrode holder 26 extending downwardly into of the pool I0.

lable electrical conductor.

,rod 3| and through its the enclosure formed by the cup and top. The lower end of ,the holder cess 2l within which is threaded the electrode 9, which may be copper and which may have a tungsten head 28 disposed parallel to the surface The holder 25 is shown as being hollow throughout its length except for a wall 29 which divides the recess 21 from an upper recess 30, in the lower end of whichis threaded a rod 3|, the upper end -32 of which may contact with a suit- The holder 26 may conveniently be made of steel, and the rod 3| may be made of copper. Thus it will be seen that a conducting path is provided through the threaded engagement with the holder 26 and the threaded engagement of the electrode 9 directly to the head 28 of that electrode. At the same time, the wall 29 provides a seal for the space within the enclosure.

For cooling purposes, the rod 3| may be provided with a duct 33 through which a cooling fluid may pass from a pipe 34. This duct is shown as having an extension 35 extending downwardly to the wall 29 and also as being connected by one or more ducts 36 to a space forming part of the upper recess 30, it being noted that the part of the rod 3| in this recess is spaced from the walls thereof. Fluid thus may iiow from the pipe 34 through the ducts 33 and 35 into the space around the rod and then out through a pipe 31. Secured to, and in intimate contact with, the bottom of the cup is a copper electrode 38 having an end 39' for a contact with a suitable electrical conductor.

It will thus be seen that current may be supplied to the mercury pool I0 forming the cathode, while at the same time the enclosure is maintained sealed. If desired, the cup may be cooled, for example by providing a recess 40 in its outer surface, which may be closed by a plate 4| welded or otherwise secured over it. Cooling iiuid may enter the space thus formed through aI pipe 42 and leave through a pipe 43.

In assembling the parts as described above, the cup and electrode 38 may be first assembled and then the top 23 may be threaded into place. Any suitable sealing compound may be used to seal the threads between the cap and top. 'I'hen preferably the threads of the bushing 25 will be glazed, by the application ofheat, and then while hot the bushing is threaded into place and the holder 26 is also threaded into place in the bushing. Then when the bushing cools, a very tight seal is achieved and in fact the bushing can only be removed by heating again. The bushing may be covered by any suitable sealing compound 44.

Before the parts are assembled, of course it will be understood that mercury is placed in the bottom of the enclosure, and, after the parts are assembled, the space above the pool may be evacuated of air and filled with inert gas under the desired pressure. For this purpose one or more vent openings 45 may be provided, these openings Vbeing then closed, as by welding.

The material used in the bushing 25, as pointed out above, is preferably a ceramic material capable of being glazed, and I have found a suit- 26 is provided with a rebe broken down by the particular high voltage, high frequency current for which the rest of the apparatus is designed. Preferably the spacing of the electrodes is close enough so that the high voltage, high frequency current will form a single age and frequency, a switch comprising a two-l electrode tube with said electrodes in series with path as it passes between the electrodes, although that path is usuallynot constant in position.

The space within the enclosure is filled with an inert gas, preferably argon. at a pressure which is substantially less than atmospheric and is substantially greater than a vacuum. Ibr example, I have found that a pressure corresponding to from 15 inches to 20 inchesv of mercury (atmospheric pressure corresponding to inches and vacuum to 30 inches) is satisfactory for many conditions. alhough it is tobe understood that the preure is another variable which must be achieved so as so prevent the resistance yof the space between the electrodes breaking down except under the influence of the high voltage and high frequency current which is to be used for that purpose. In other words, the current, the spacing of the electrodes, and the pressure of the gas within the enclosure are variables which must be adjusted to each other.

While I have mentioned argon as the preferred inert gas to use within the enclosure, other lnert gases may also be used. for example any one of a group including argon, neon, helium, and zenon. Similarly, while other material than mercury may be used for the cathode, I prefer to use mercury so that the mercury vapor arising from the pool will mix with the inert gas. That is to say, the space between the electrodes will be occupied by an inert ga's mixed with mercury vapor.

The tube switch shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is one which is so designed that'it may be rugged and of relatively inexpensive material, steel being used for a large part thereof. 'I'he connections shown at $2 and 39 may be in the form of flat surfaced extensions on the parts 3| and' 38, respectively, and which may be forced between spring contacts Thus the entire tube switch may be readily put in place and removed.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5 I have shown therein another form of tube which may be used under some circumstances, this tube comprising two tungsten plates l1 which form the two electrodes and which may be connected to conductors 48 which are sealed into opposite ends I9 of' a glass tube 5l. This tube forms an enclosure within which is an inert gas of the kind referred to above.

While I have shown the invention as embodied in specific forms, it is to be understood that various changes in details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as denned by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a switch comprising a twoelectrode tube with said electrodes in series with said load and disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas, said tube being normally nonconductive to said alternating current, means for rendering said tube conductive to said alternating current comprising means for passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said electrodes in both directions.

2. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltsaid load and disposed in an enclosure containing `an inert gas, said tube being normally nonconductive to said alternating current, means for rendering said tube conductive to said alternating current comprising means for ionizing said gas so as to pass the alternating load current across said electrodes in"y both directions.

3. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electricvcircuit including a source of-alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a switch comprising a twoelectrode tube with said electrodes in series with' said load and disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas at a pressure substantially less than` atmospheric and substantially greater than a vacuum, said tube being normally non-conductive to said'alternating current, and means for rendering said tube conductive to said alternating current comprising means for passing a. high frequency alternating current ofhigh voltage across said electrodes in both directions.

4. In a system for supplying alternating current toa load, an ,electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a switch comprising a twoelectrode tube with said electrodes in series with said load and disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas at a pressure of-from 15 to20 inches of mercury, said tube being normally nonconductive tosaid alternating current, and means for rendering said tube conductive to said altervnating current comprising means for passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said electrodesv in both directions.

5. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a.

source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a switch comprising a twoelectrode tube, said electrodes in series with said load and disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas, one of said electrodes being a mercury pool at the bottom of said enclosure, theother of said electrodes being metallic, said tube being normally non-conductive to said alternating current, means for rendering said tube conductive to said alternating current comprising means for passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said electrodes in both directions.

6. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage andfrequency, a switch comprising a twoelectrode tube, said electrodes in series with said 1oad,and disposed in an enclosure containing an inert gas and mercury vapor, one of said electrodes being a mercury pooll at the bottom of said enclosure, the other of said electrodes being metallic, said tube being normally non-conductive to said alternating current, and means for rendering said tube conductive to said alternating current comprising means for passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said electrodes in both directions.

7. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a tube switch in circuit with the load, said tube switch being normally nonconductive to said alternating current, means for rendering said tube switch conductive to said alternating current by passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said tube switch in both directions, said means comprising a high frequency air core transformer connected in series with the.tube switch, 1a second transformer having a low voltage primary connected to the source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, and having its secondary connected to the high frequency air core transformer throughan air gap and a condenser connected acrossr said secondary. 8. In a system for supplying alternating current to a`load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a tube switch in circuit with the load, said tube switch being nonnally nonconductive to said alternating current, means for rendering said tube switch conductive to said alternating current by passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said tube switch in both directions, said means comprising av high frequency air core transformez' connected in series with the tube switch, a secpassing the high frequency high voltage circuit comprising a condenserl connected in parallel with the high frequency air core transformer and the tube switch. l

9. In a system for supplying alternating current to a load, an electric circuit including a source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, a tube switch in circuit with the load, said tube switch being normally nonconductive Vto said alternating current, means for rendering said tube switch conductive to said ond transformer having a low voltage primary connected to the source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, and having its secondary connectedv to the high frequency air core transformer, and means for byalternating current by passing a high frequency alternating current of high voltage across said tube switch in both directions, said means comprising ahigh frequency airy core transformer connected in series with the tube switch, a second transformer having a low voltage primary connected to the source of alternating current of commercial voltage and frequency, and having its secondary connected to the high frequency air core transformer, and means to increase the voltage andA frequency of the current supplied to the high frequency air cor`e transformer by the secondary of said second transformer.

Y EDMUND J. von HENKE. 

